Probiotic and prebiotic supplementation ameliorates chronic restraint stress-induced male reproductive dysfunction

Restraint stress (RS) can induce male reproductive deficits by activating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and causing oxidative stress. Previous studies have shown that probiotics can alleviate neurological and metabolic disorders induced by stress. However, the effects of probiotics on RS-induced reproductive deficits have not been fully elucidated. This study aimed to investigate whether Lactobacillus rhamnosus NCDC-610 (Probiotic-1) and Lactobacillus fermentum NCDC-400 (Probiotic-2) with prebiotic (fructooligosaccharides (FOS)) could prevent RS-induced reproductive deficits. C57BL6/J mice were subjected to RS for four hours daily before oral administration of probiotics (4 x 109 CFU per mice) either separately or concurrently with FOS. The results showed that oral administration of Probiotic-1 and Probiotic-2 protected against RS-induced sperm deficits, including sperm count, motility, morphology, and histopathology of testes, and improved intestinal health. Furthermore, Probiotic-1 and Probiotic-2 prevented RS-induced changes in testosterone levels by up-regulating the expressions of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR), cytochrome P450 side-chain cleavage enzyme (P450scc), and 17 & beta;-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17 & beta;HSD) in the testes. Additionally, Probiotic-1 and Probiotic-2 increased the activities of catalase and superoxide dismutase and reduced the fold change of interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-10 (IL-10), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-& alpha;), indicating a protective effect against RS-induced oxidative stress. Oral administration of Probiotic-1 and Probiotic-2, either separately or concurrently with FOS (probiotic dose of 4 x 109 CFU per mice and prebiotic 5% w/v), prevented RS-induced activation of the HPA axis and improved male fertility. These findings suggest that L. rhamnosus NCDC-610 and L. fermentum NCDC-400 are safe and effective probiotics for mitigating stress-induced male reproductive deficits. Enhancing Male Reproductive Function through Activation of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis: Mitigation of Restraint Stress-Induced Deficits via Oral Probiotic Administration.

Automated summary

This study aimed to investigate the effects of probiotics on stress-induced male reproductive deficits. The results showed that Lactobacillus rhamnosus NCDC-610 and Lactobacillus fermentum NCDC-400 can improve sperm deficits caused by stress and improve intestinal health. In addition, probiotics can also alleviate oxidative stress and activate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis caused by stress. Therefore, L. rhamnosus NCDC-610 and L. fermentum NCDC-400 are safe and effective probiotics for mitigating stress-induced male reproductive deficits.